From 2014-2016 there were only 4 bikes that had any chance of winning a championship. During that time Pedrosa on one of those 4 bikes was struggling with injuries and the associated surgeries he has had to try and fix them. That leaves 3 bikes. Rossi had two men to beat. In 2015 Marquez was riding a bike that even he couldn't tame which meant Rossi had one man to beat. Sure it does sound great when you say he was runner up 3x but he came second out of 3 riders realistically.

Last year there was 6 healthy riders on 6 competitive bikes and he came 5th.

When Rossi does well: His bike was great!
When Rossi doesn’t do well: He sucks!

From 2014-2016 there were only 4 bikes that had any chance of winning a championship. During that time Pedrosa on one of those 4 bikes was struggling with injuries and the associated surgeries he has had to try and fix them. That leaves 3 bikes. Rossi had two men to beat. In 2015 Marquez was riding a bike that even he couldn't tame which meant Rossi had one man to beat. Sure it does sound great when you say he was runner up 3x but he came second out of 3 riders realistically.

Last year there was 6 healthy riders on 6 competitive bikes and he came 5th.

The four bikes that could win the title had the best riders on them - and that fact has been true for most of GP history.

Everyone can make excuses. Rossi was injured last year, the Yamaha wasn't working properly, etc.